The artisan entrepreneurship project of Mental Health La Palma set up its stall this Saturday in front of the Town Hall of Santa Cruz de La Palma, marking its second appearance in the capital.
The Alas de Mariposa project, driven by the Mental Health La Palma Association, brought its sewing back to the streets. This Saturday, the women participating in this initiative occupied a small stall in front of the Town Hall atrium in Santa Cruz de La Palma, right on Calle Real, to sell the products they make themselves. It was the second time the project had set up in that same corner of the capital, and it did so independently, with the explicit permission and invitation of the local council.
Sewing with a social purpose
Alas de Mariposa is not just any stall. Behind every bag, apron, or fabric accessory lies a process of empowerment and personal recovery. The project was born within the Mental Health La Palma association with the aim of providing women linked to mental health with a pathway to social and labour inclusion through craftsmanship. Sewing thus becomes a therapeutic tool and, at the same time, a source of self-income.
This Saturday's event had a special flavour. Not only because the public showed interest throughout the morning, but also because the project demonstrated that it can sustain its activities autonomously. The invitation from the Town Hall of Santa Cruz de La Palma to occupy such a central and symbolic space represents institutional support that goes beyond mere gesture.
“We continue to demonstrate that it is possible to create opportunities through innovative, distinctive projects with a strong social impact, where each product tells a story of overcoming, creativity, and hope,” said representatives from Alas de Mariposa after the event.
Support that adds miles
This is not the first time a public administration has lent a hand to this project. The Town Hall of Los Llanos de Aridane, where Mental Health La Palma is based, previously donated three sewing machines to strengthen the workshop. The support from Santa Cruz de La Palma is of a different kind: providing a visible and central space, right on Calle Real, in front of the Town Hall itself, so that the women from the project can showcase and sell their creations.
For the participants, taking to the streets is also a way to make their work visible and break down prejudices. Each sale is a small personal and collective triumph. The initiative shows that mental health and social entrepreneurship can walk hand in hand, and that local councils can play a key role in facilitating spaces and opportunities.
A future with more wings
The Alas de Mariposa project does not stop here. Following the success of this second event in the capital, its leaders are hopeful of repeating the experience and continuing to weave alliances with other institutions. For the residents of Santa Cruz de La Palma, the presence of this stall on Calle Real is an opportunity to purchase a unique product while also supporting a worthy cause.
The next time they see a stall with colourful fabrics in front of the Town Hall, they will know: it’s not just craftsmanship, it’s stories of overcoming sewn with thread and needle. And who knows, perhaps the next event will become a tradition on the capital's calendar.
You may also like
